Alta Louise Harris died Saturday, May 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA.
Born June 5, 1908 in New Franklin, Mo., she was the first child of Viola and Alexander Crosby Lewis. Wife of the late entrepreneur Ezra Enoch Harris, Mrs. Harris will be remembered as an enthusiastic and tireless participant in a variety of community activities, including as a lifelong and faithful member of the Samaritan Methodist Church, founding member of the Horticultural Study Club, member of the St. Louis Junior League and dedicated alumna of Lincoln University.
Mrs. Harris was the mother of six children. Three preceded her in death: Carol Sue Harris, Thraceton Harris and Gwynneth Martinez. Three survive her: Mrs. Joyce Smith of St. Louis, Shirley Prince of Los Angeles and Carolyn Richard of St. Louis. She was the devoted grandmother of 15 grandchildren (including the writer Jabari Asim), 25 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 23 from 11 a.m. to noon at Samaritan Methodist Church, 4234 Washington Blvd.